Division of Lands and Forests

The Division of Lands and Forests manages public lands and conservation easements across New York State and provides leadership in forestry and forest management. The Department of Environmental Conservation cares for about 4 million acres of state owned land and nearly 910,000 acres of conservation easement land in New York State. This includes the Forest Preserve in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks, State Forests, Unique Areas and the State Nature and Historical Preserve.

The Division of Lands and Forests is responsible for the management, protection and recreational use of these lands, the care of the people who use these lands and the acquisition of additional lands to conserve unique and significant resources. The Division is made up of five programs: Conservation Easements, Forest Preserve Management, Private Land Services, Real Property and State Land Management. Through these programs, the Division of Lands and Forests provides the following services:

Robert K. Davies, Director of DEC's Division of Lands and Forests is New York's State Forester. He is responsible for the implementation of United States Forest Service programs within New York including the Forest Stewardship Program and the Forest Legacy Program.

More about Division of Lands and Forests:

Bureau of Forest Preserve Management - The Bureau of Forest Preserve Management is responsible for the management and care of nearly 3 million acres of forest preserve lands owned by the people of the State of New York.

Bureau of Private Land Services - New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) forestry professionals are dedicated to maintaining the long-term health and productivity of our forests. Services foresters provide assistance to landowners to sustain healthy ecosystems, protect soil and water resources, improve wildlife habitat, and provide recreational opportunities and wood products.

Bureau of Real Property - The Bureau of Real Property is DEC's Real Estate Agent, handling all land conveyance transactions for all DEC Divisions. Additionally, the Bureau is responsible for the boundary locations for over four million acres of DEC administered land.

Bureau of State Land Management - The Bureau of State Land Management is part of DEC's Division of Lands and Forests and is responsible for the management and care of nearly four million acres of land owned by the people of the State of New York